*
banner

European Countdown — 8 days to go

More weird and wonderful things to ponder over, as we countdown to the big event.

EBBA
 

After the emergency weird facts to save you in a lift with the Belgians, 4BR gives you some wonderful facts about the Scots — just in case you are trapped in a bar with them over the weekend.

And they will be there we promise you...

1. The Scottish Football team has spent the longest period of time as the unofficial world champions – 103 matches or 13,003 days, although they have never progressed beyond the first round of any World Cup they have competed in.

The strange system gives the title to any team who beats a team that has beaten a team, who has beaten the team etc who were crowned official world champions.

2. Edinburgh was the first city in the world which had its own fire-brigade.

There is no known official name for the dreaded deep fried Mars Bar -except a heart attack in batter4BR

3. At least 6 US Presidents have been of Scottish descent: Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), James Madison (1751-1836), Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), James Knox Polk (1795-1849), William McKinley (1843-1901), Woodrow (Thomas) Wilson (1856-1924)

4. Scottish dishes are well-known for their weird names, like Forfar Bridie (a meat pastry), Cock-a-leekie (soup), Collops (escalope), Crappit heid (fish dish), Finnan haddie (haddock fish), Arbroath Smokie (smoked haddock), Cullen Skink (haddock soup), Partan bree (seafood dish), Mince and tatties (minced meat and potatoes), Rumbledethumps, Skirlie...

There is no known official name for the dreaded deep fried Mars Bar -except a heart attack in batter...

5. The country’s motto is, Nemo me impune lacessit — No one provokes me with impunity.

6. The Scottish government banned golf in 1647.

7. The ten most popular surnames in Scotland are: 1. Smith; 2. Brown; 3. Wilson; 4. Thomson; 5. Robertson; 6. Campbell; 7. Stewart; 8. Anderson 9. MacDonald; 10. Scott

8. Kilts are not native to Scotland. They originated in France.

9. A ten year study in Scotland found that 20% more people die of heart attacks on Mondays than any other day of the week.

10. The origins of the bagpipes in Scotland is uncertain. Some say it was a Roman import, whilst others believe that the instrument came from Ireland as the result of colonization.

The piob mhor, or great Highland bagpipe, though was developed by Highlanders to its fullest extent and make it, both in peace and war, their national instrument.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.


Player

2025 4BR Player of the Year

December 25 • So much individual talent shone in the banding world in 2025 — but one player was the shining star of them all.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd